AIGLE, Switzerland — Spanish rider Alejandro Valverde was banned from the road world championships Wednesday after cycling's world governing body concluded he may have violated doping rules.
After "meticulously" examining a 6,000-page dossier from the Spanish district attorney, the International Cycling Union said it concluded "several documents may show the involvement" of Valverde in Operation Puerto, a Spanish doping investigation that has implicated more than 50 riders.
The UCI has asked the Spanish cycling federation to open disciplinary proceedings against Valverde.
"These proceedings would not imply any guilt on the part of Alejandro Valverde," the UCI said in a statement. "However, according to UCI regulations, and to safeguard the atmosphere and reputation of the World Championships, Alejandro Valverde will be prevented from participating."
The worlds will take place Sept. 26-30 in Stuttgart, Germany.
If Valverde is found guilty, he faces a two-year ban and could lose a year's salary under the UCI's anti-doping charter.